Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean with this incredibly easy and mouthwatering Shrimp and Orzo dish! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a flavor-packed journey that combines succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked orzo, burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese into one irresistible plate of pure deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water and cook orzo pasta according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and dried basil, ensuring even coating.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is shimmering, add shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a light golden color. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Return cooked orzo to the skillet, gently mixing with tomatoes. Add cooked shrimp back into the mixture.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the dish, allowing it to slightly melt from the residual heat.
- Transfer to serving plates, garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Shrimp Perfection: Always pat your shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they sear beautifully and don't steam. This helps achieve that gorgeous golden color and prevents soggy texture.
- Don't Overcrowd: When cooking shrimp, use a large skillet and avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each shrimp gets direct heat for even cooking.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook orzo just until al dente - it will continue to absorb flavors when mixed with other ingredients, so you want it slightly firm.
- Feta Melting Trick: Let the residual heat from the skillet gently warm the feta, creating a creamy texture without fully melting it.
- Fresh Herb Bonus: While optional, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil at the end can elevate the dish's flavor and presentation dramatically.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 180mg
